Avenir Next, redesigned in 2004 by Akira Kobayashi in collaboration with Adrian Frutiger, is an updated and refined version of Frutiger’s original Avenir from 1988. It maintains Avenir’s geometric roots while adding improved spacing, expanded weights, and greater versatility for digital and print use. With its timeless balance of geometry and warmth, it’s a go-to for branding, editorial, and corporate identity projects.
But since Avenir Next is a premium font, many designers seek alternatives that capture its clarity and sophistication without the licensing cost.
Here are 7 excellent typefaces similar to Avenir Next, both paid and free.
Visual Comparison
Sample Text: The Quick Brown Fox Jumps Over The Lazy Dog
| Font | Preview |
|---|---|
| Avenir Next | Image preview here |
| Gotham | Image preview here |
| Circular | Image preview here |
| Brandon Grotesque | Image preview here |
| Sofia Pro | Image preview here |
| Nunito Sans | Image preview here |
| Raleway | Image preview here |
| Inter | Image preview here |
Premium Alternatives
1. Gotham (Hoefler & Co., 2000)
Style: Sans-serif, Geometric
Why It’s Similar: Clean geometry and versatile weights like Avenir Next.
Key Difference: More American-inspired, with squarer proportions.
Price & Availability: Paid — Hoefler & Co.
2. Circular (Laurenz Brunner, 2013)
Style: Sans-serif, Geometric
Why It’s Similar: Rounded elegance with geometric balance.
Key Difference: Softer, more circular terminals than Avenir Next.
Price & Availability: Paid — Lineto.
3. Brandon Grotesque (Hannes von Döhren, 2009)
Style: Sans-serif, Geometric
Why It’s Similar: Balanced geometric forms with a humanist touch.
Key Difference: More condensed and decorative for display use.
Price & Availability: Paid — HvD Fonts.
4. Sofia Pro (Olivier Gourvat, 2008)
Style: Sans-serif, Geometric
Why It’s Similar: Similar clean lines and professional versatility.
Key Difference: Slightly more playful details, especially in rounded letters.
Price & Availability: Paid — Most major font marketplaces.
Free Alternatives
5. Nunito Sans (Vernon Adams, 2016)
Style: Sans-serif, Geometric
Why It’s Similar: Smooth geometric shapes, modern digital readability.
Key Difference: More rounded overall character compared to Avenir Next’s precision.
Price & Availability: Free — Google Fonts.
6. Raleway (Matt McInerney, 2010)
Style: Sans-serif, Geometric
Why It’s Similar: Tall, elegant sans with geometric base.
Key Difference: Thinner, more stylized than Avenir Next.
Price & Availability: Free — Google Fonts.
7. Inter (Rasmus Andersson, 2017)
Style: Sans-serif, Neo-Grotesque
Why It’s Similar: Neutral clarity with versatility across UI and text.
Key Difference: More optimized for screen legibility.
Price & Availability: Free — Google Fonts.
Recommendation Summary Table
| Font Name | Similarity Score | Free/Paid | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gotham | ★★★★★ | Paid | Branding and corporate identity |
| Circular | ★★★★☆ | Paid | Editorial and luxury branding |
| Brandon Grotesque | ★★★★☆ | Paid | Display and print projects |
| Sofia Pro | ★★★★☆ | Paid | Professional multi-purpose use |
| Nunito Sans | ★★★★☆ | Free | Web and UI design |
| Raleway | ★★★★☆ | Free | Stylish headings |
| Inter | ★★★★☆ | Free | Digital interfaces |
Conclusion
If you want the closest premium alternatives to Avenir Next, Gotham and Circular are strong contenders.
For free substitutes, Nunito Sans and Inter provide excellent clarity for both text and digital projects.
Typeface Similar to Font 